dlr one of the first Councils to lead the way in public electric vehicle charging

dlr is committed to sustainable transport solutions and part of this commitment is the phased increase of the Council’s fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) and the installation of electric charge points in the public realm. As part of our changeover to electric fleet, charging infrastructure has been installed in a number of Council locations. Leading the way in dual usage municipal infrastructure, dlr has also recently installed one of the first public lighting poles which can be used for charging EVs. This pole is on Crofton Road and is available for use by the public as part of a pilot study. This charging point is fully interactive and records the users charging history. It will also let the user know when their car is charged or if the charge has been interrupted. The pole is painted in a distinctive green colour so EV motorists can indentify them from afar.

The Council is committed to reducing emissions by 2020 in line with national targets and the fleet renewal programme is helping us to go some way towards achieving this. As part of the fleet renewal programme, dlr has already purchased nine EVs, including five vans and two cars in use by the Municipal Services Department, and a further two electric cars being used by a pool of 30 staff across the organisation.

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At the launch of the EV charging lighting pole, An Cathaoirleach of dlr, Cllr Ossian Smyth, said, “One of my key priorities is tackling climate change and realising a greener Ireland and I am delighted that dlr is so progressive in addressing the negative effects of older diesel vehicles. Electric powered vehicles reduce the impact of the Council fleet on local air quality and will also mean a reduction in fuel and maintenance costs for the fleet. Installing an electric vehicle charging point within a lamp post makes so much sense and I look forward to this pilot being rolled out further over the coming months”.

The Council has a fleet of 230 vehicles, ranging in size from ride-on mowers to large trucks. We are currently reviewing the suitability of the existing fleet for the operational requirements of the Council and following on from this review, we will implement a fleet management strategy with the aim of replacing petrol and diesel vehicles with zero emission alternatives where feasible.

Speaking at the launch, dlr Chief Executive Philomena Poole, said, "I am delighted that dlr is taking the lead on the provision of this service to the public. The importance of cleaner vehicle use cannot be overstated and the Council will continue to lead in the adoption of sustainable transport solutions."

Speaking of the announcement by the Council, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Energy Denis Naughten said “Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten T.D. said “I congratulate Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on its leadership in supporting the growth of electric vehicles. Along with the addition of nine fully electric vehicles to their fleet, the installation of an EV charger lamp post is the type of innovative development that is needed. I would encourage other public and private sector organisations to follow Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s lead and encourage their staff, customers and the public to take up electric vehicles. In order to further develop electric vehicle chargers at public parking spaces, I am working with the SEAI on how we can best support Local Authorities.”